Middle School Mentality

The two main characters of this novel are fifth graders who act like typical boys of this age. They exhibit characteristics such as reverting to arguments that do not hold any value other than in their conversations, skewed impressions of real world issues, and juvenile humor.

Greg Heffley and Rowley Jefferson became friends soon after Rowley moved to Greg's neighborhood. Now, more than a year later, Rowley considers Greg his best friend even though they often argue. Their arguments are one example of how they revert to stand-by phrases and sayings that have no value in a real debate. For example, Greg wants to sneak out of the house one night, intending to jump on a trampoline in the neighborhood. Rowley, however, is reluctant because he knows they could get in trouble. Predictably, Greg calls Rowley a baby for his reluctance. Just as predictably...